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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 000587 SUBJECT: POLICE ACTIVELY INVESTIGATING STRING OF EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS IN CEBU REF: A. MANILA 312 B. MANILA 129 Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Joseph L. Novak for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1. (C) Summary: Cebu city remains abuzz about a recent string of extrajudicial killings that has taken upwards of 25 lives. Philippine National Police (PNP) officials confirmed that PNP is actively investigating the slayings, which have divided the city, with the Cardinal and some key local politicians condemning Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmena, seen as the political force behind the violence. Other observers believe that Osmena has gained popularity through his "Dirty Harry"-like remarks indicating support for the killings. Dep Polcouns reiterated strong U.S. concerns. But PNP's active investigation of the situation is positive, and sends a strong signal that the national government is watching Cebu -- the second largest city in the Philippines and a key economic entrepot -- very closely. End Summary.

-------------------------PNP Investigating Killings -------------------------2. (C/NF) Dep Polcouns and senior pol FSN visited Cebu (in the central Philippines) February 3-4. The city was abuzz with discussion of a string of extrajudicial killings that has taken upwards of 25 lives of alleged criminals in the last two months (reftels). Dep Polcouns met with General Florencio Gador, the PNP's Regional Chief based in Cebu, to express concern over the situation and ask about the GRP's steps to end the killings. Gador confirmed that the PNP is actively investigating the cases. He confirmed that he arrived in Cebu in early January with explicit instructions from PNP Chief Edgardo Aglipay to get to the bottom of the violence. 3. (C/NF) Gador admitted that he was facing a "wall of silence" in discussing the situation with the local Cebu police and with Mayor Tommy Osmena, who has made public comments seeming to favor vigilante-style activities. Although PNP has so far made no arrests, Gador expressed confidence that his team would be able "to break the case open" through further efforts. He cited evidence collected by his team that potentially incriminated local government officials, police (specifically a group of policemen recently formed into what is called the "Hunter's team"), and others in planning the killings during "secret" meetings dating back to late last year. Gador would not confirm what he

meant by "local government indicated that Mayor Osmena, possibly could be involved. continue to report regularly to PNP headquarters in Manila.

officials," but he among others, quite Gador said he would on his investigation

-------------A Divided City -------------4. (C) The killings appear to have divided Cebu. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal has publicly condemned the attacks on several recent occasions, including in the homily of a high-profile mass held during Cebu's annual fiesta in mid-January. Cardinal Vidal told Dep Polcouns that "the taking of lives -even of those accused of crimes -- was wrong and reinforced a culture of death." Vidal said that he did not know whether or not Osmena was involved, but it was important that the mayor "disassociate the city and its government from this black mark." Dep Polcouns noted USG human rights concerns over the situation and expressed appreciation for the Cardinal's strong stance. 5. (C) Other politicians have also expressed concern over the killings. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, a longtime political opponent of Mayor Osmena, told Dep Polcouns emphasized that "what was going on was wrong and must be stopped." She noted that she had no legal authority to act within Cebu city limits (she governs areas outside of the city), but added that she had advised Osmena "to clean up the situation." Vice Mayor Michael Rama

said separately that "Cebu has never had such violence" and that he was "embarrassed for the city, which was losing its good name domestically and internationally." Rama claimed that he had urged Osmena during a personal conversation to take action to halt the killings. According to Rama, Osmena would not agree to do so and would not condemn what had happened, but he did not admit responsibility. --------------------------Public Support for Killings --------------------------6. (C/NF) Many observers believe that Osmena has actually gained popularity through his "Dirty Harry"-like remarks indicating support for the killings. Many in the business community apparently support the killings, believing that the city faces rising crime and citing the need for firm action against it. (Note: PNP General Gador confirmed that Cebu's crime rate had risen in recent years, but only slightly. End note.) According to Democrito Mendoza, a local labor leader, "Osmena has certainly gained widespread public support. That's what this is all about." 7. (C) When queried about Mayor Tommy Osmena and the reasons for his apparent involvement in the killings, observers speculated that Osmena apparently feared that his family's popularity might be ebbing and felt the need to take decisive steps to regain its political position. (Note: Osmena is a member of a well-known clan founded by

Sergio Osmena Sr., Philippine president in the 1940's. While Tommy won re-election as mayor last year, his uncle John lost his bid for re-election as senator, and his cousin John Gregory lost his bid to be elected governor to Garcia. End note.) Observers commented that Osmena is taking a cue from Davao, where Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has for years publicly underscored his support for extrajudicial killings and racked up big electoral victories, despite repeated condemnations from local and international human rights groups. ------Comment ------8. (C) Dep Polcouns reiterated strong U.S. concerns about the killings during his meetings. Mayor Osmena was not in Cebu during the visit, but other officials no doubt will brief him on USG interest in the situation. PNP's active investigation of the situation is positive, and sends a strong signal that the national government is watching and not averting its eyes on Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines and a key economic entrepot. General Gador was impressive in his commitment to ending the killings and arresting those responsible. However, the PNP has in the past often lost focus and momentum in its investigations after making big initial public relations splashes. Mission will continue to press the GRP on this important rule-of-law and human rights issue in Cebu, Davao, and nationwide.

Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ Ricciardone (Edited and reading.) reformatted by Andres for ease of